Test apparatus for usb-pd device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is for testing a device to be supplied with power via USB Power Delivery (USB-PD). The apparatus includes at least one USB Type-C connector configured to be connected to the device to be supplied with power to be tested, the at least one USB Type-C connector including a power supply terminal. Processing circuitry of the apparatus is configured to verify that a voltage at the power supply terminal is lower than a first threshold, verify a role of the device, generate requests representative of power supply configurations supported by the role of the device, and verify compatibility of the power supply configurations supported by the device with standardized power supply configurations.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. Application for Pat. No.16/787,508, filed Feb. 11, 2020, which claims the priority benefit ofFrench Application for Patent No. 1901413, filed on Feb. 12, 2019, thecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties to the maximum extent allowable by law.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to power supply devices of theUniversal Serial Bus Power Delivery (USB-PD) type.

BACKGROUND

USB Type-C connectors are more and more frequently integrated in varioustypes of power supply devices and/or devices to be supplied with power.There is therefore a need for verification of the proper operation ofdevices of the USB-PD type.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a method which aims to test USB devices through aseries of steps. Initially, a device is connected to an apparatus, andthe voltage at the power supply terminal is checked to ensure it isbelow a safety threshold. If the device is identified as a USB cableconnected solely to the connector, the cable’s current capacity isdetermined, and an output is generated accordingly. This determinationis made by sending a signal through the connector and analyzing thecable’s response to the signal. The device may be specificallyidentified as a USB type-C cable.

In cases where the USB cable is not solely connected to the connector,an output is generated to reflect this. If the device is determined tobe a USB cable not solely connected and is functioning as a power supplydevice, a power check is performed. This power check involves simulatinga device to be powered by the power supply device, requesting powersupply configurations, and testing the compatibility of theseconfigurations with standardized configurations.

Outputs are generated to indicate the device’s function as a powersupply device, the proposed power supply configurations, and theircompatibility with standardized configurations. Additionally, if thedevice is also meant to be supplied with power, power supplyconfigurations are requested, received, and tested for compatibility.Outputs are also generated to indicate these details. Finally, the powerreceived at the device is verified to be within acceptable voltagelimits.

Also disclosed herein is an apparatus designed for testing USB devices,which includes a connector to be connected to a device and processingcircuitry to perform the tests. Upon connecting a device, the circuitryverifies if the voltage at the connector’s power supply terminal isbelow a safety threshold. If the device is a USB cable connected solelyto the connector, the circuitry determines its current capacity andgenerates an output accordingly. An emitter circuit within the apparatusassists in determining the cable’s current capacity by sending a signalto the USB cable and assessing its response.

The processing circuitry can also identify whether the device is a USBtype-C cable. If the USB cable is not solely connected to the connector,an output is generated to indicate this. Additionally, the circuitry candetermine if the device is a USB cable not solely connected andfunctioning as a power supply device. In such cases, a power check isperformed.

The power check involves simulating a device to be powered, requestingpower supply configurations, and testing compatibility with standardizedconfigurations. Outputs are generated to indicate the device’s function,proposed power supply configurations, and their compatibility withstandardized configurations. If the device is also meant to be suppliedwith power, the circuitry requests, receives, and tests power supplyconfigurations for compatibility. Outputs are generated to indicatethese details, and the power received at the device is verified to bewithin acceptable voltage limits.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing features and advantages, as well as others, will bedescribed in detail in the following description of specific embodimentsgiven by way of illustration and not limitation with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in the form of a diagram, an example of operationalconnections between power supply devices and devices to be supplied withpower;

FIG. 2 depicts, via a diagram, couplings subject to possible overvoltageduring the connection between power supply devices and devices to besupplied with power;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a USB-PD connector;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB-PD compatible power supply device;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB-PD compatible device to be supplied with power;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB Type-C cable;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a test procedure for aUSB-PD device;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a few embodiments of anapparatus for implementing test procedures;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus formingan interface between a power supply device and a device to be suppliedwith power; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate, via perspective views, further apparatusembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Like features have been designated by like references in the variousfigures. In particular, the structural and/or functional features thatare common among the various embodiments may have the same referencesand may have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

For the sake of clarity, the operations and elements that are useful foran understanding of the described embodiments herein have beenillustrated and described in detail. In particular, the assemblyelements of the apparatus will not be described in detail.

Unless indicated otherwise, when reference is made to two elements thatare connected together, this indicates a direct connection without anyintermediate elements other than conductors, and then reference is madeto two elements that are linked or coupled together, this indicates thatthese two elements can be connected or be linked or coupled by way ofone or more other elements.

In the following disclosure, unless indicated otherwise, when referenceis made to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms “front”,“back”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, etc., or to relativepositional qualifiers, such as the terms “above”, “below”, “higher”,“lower”, etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as “horizontal”,“vertical”, etc., reference is made to the orientation shown in thefigures.

Unless specified otherwise, the expressions “around”, “approximately”,“substantially” and “on the order of” signify within 10 %, andpreferably within 5 %.

Functions described as being performed by a USB-PD compatible USB Type-Cconnector or by the apparatus itself are performed by processingcircuitry included within those devices, as will be understood by thoseof skill in the art, and need no further description below.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in the form of a diagram, an example of operationalconnections between power supply devices and devices to be supplied withpower.

Such devices each comprise at least one USB-PD compatible USB Type-Cconnector. Using this standardized connector, it is possible for eachdevice to be connected to any other device having the same connector.Each device is depicted in FIG. 1 by a node 10.

In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the arbitrary case of six devices 10 isassumed, including: two power supply devices SOURCE1 and SOURCE2; twodevices to be supplied with power SINK1 and SINK2; and two dual-roledevices DRP1 and DRP2, furnished with a dual-role port making itpossible for these devices to supply power or be supplied with power viaa same port or connector. In other words, these two devices DRP1 andDRP2 are at the same time devices to be supplied with power and powersupply devices.

Of the power supply devices, a first device SOURCE1 is capable ofproviding a power supply voltage of 5 V. This can be, for example, acharger for a mobile telephone. A second device SOURCE2 is capable ofproviding a power supply voltage up to 20 V. This can be, for example, acharger for a portable computer.

Of the devices to be supplied with power, a first device SINK1 supportsa voltage from 5 to 9 V. This can be, for example, a hard drive. Asecond device SINK2 supports a voltage from 5 to 12 V. This can be, forexample, a drone.

Of the dual-role devices, a first device DRP1 is capable of providingand of supporting a power supply voltage up to 15V. This can be, forexample, a tablet. A second device DRP2 is capable of providing and ofsupporting a power supply voltage up to 20 V. This can be, for example,a portable computer.

FIG. 1 illustrates operational couplings between the different devices10. In this example:

-   the first power supply device SOURCE1 is connected to the two    devices to be supplied with power SINK1 and SINK2 and to the two    dual-role devices DRP1 and DRP2;-   the second power supply device SOURCE2 is connected to the two    devices to be supplied with power SINK1 and SINK2 and to the two    dual-role devices DRP1 and DRP2;-   the first device to be supplied with power SINK1 is connected to the    two power supply devices SOURCE1 and SOURCE2 and to the two    dual-role devices DRP1 and DRP2;-   the second device to be supplied with power SINK2 is connected to    the two power supply devices SOURCE1 and SOURCE2 and to the two    dual-role devices DRP1 and DRP2;-   the first dual-role device DRP1 is connected to the two power supply    devices SOURCE1 and SOURCE2, and to the two devices to be supplied    with power SINK1 and SINK2, and to the second dual-role device DRP2,    that is to say to each device; and-   the second dual-role device DRP2 is connected to the two power    supply devices SOURCE1 and SOURCE2, to the two devices to be    supplied with power SINK1 and SINK2, and to the first dual-role    device DRP1, that is to say to each device.

In practice, a single coupling of two elements exists at a given moment.

Using the USB-PD standard, it is possible for each device 10 to set therole (power supply, to be supplied with power, or dual-role) of furtherdevices 10 to which it is connected. It is possible by this, asillustrated in FIG. 1 , for each device capable of providing a powersupply voltage (SOURCE1, SOURCE2, DRP1 or DRP2) to supply the devicecapable of receiving a power supply voltage (SINK1, SINK2, DRP1 or DRP2)to which it is connected. More specifically, each device capable ofproviding a power supply voltage (SOURCE1, SOURCE2, DRP1 or DRP2)detects the maximum voltage supported by the device capable of receivinga power supply voltage (SINK1, SINK2, DRP1 or DRP2) to which it isconnected. In cases where the maximum supported voltage is lower than orequal to the maximum voltage that the device is capable of providing,the device provides the maximum supported voltage. In cases where themaximum supported voltage exceeds the maximum voltage that the device iscapable of providing, the device provides the maximum supported voltagethat it can provide.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first power supply deviceSOURCE1 can supply power at a voltage of 5 V to the first device to besupplied with power SINK1, to the second device to be supplied withpower SINK2, to the first dual-role device DRP1, or to the seconddual-role device DRP2.

Similarly, the second power supply device SOURCE2 can supply power at avoltage of 9 V, 12 V, 15 V or 20 V respectively to the first device tobe supplied with power SINK1, to the second device to be supplied withpower SINK2, to the first dual-role device DRP1, or to the seconddual-role device DRP2.

The first device to be supplied with power SINK1 can be supplied withpower at a voltage of 5 V by the first power supply device SOURCE1. Itcan, by contrast, be supplied with power at a voltage of 9 V by thesecond power supply device SOURCE2, the first dual-role device DRP1, orthe second dual-role device DRP2.

Similarly, the second device to be supplied with power SINK2 can besupplied with power at a voltage of 5 V by the first power supply deviceSOURCE1. It can, by contrast, be supplied with power at a voltage of 12V by the second power supply device SOURCE2, the first dual-role deviceDRP1, or the second dual-role device DRP2.

The first dual-role device DRP1 can supply power at a voltage of 9 V, 12V or 15 V respectively to the first device to be supplied with powerSINK1, to the second device to be supplied with power SINK2 or to thesecond dual-role device DRP2.

The first dual-role device DRP1 can be supplied with power at a voltageof 5V by the first power supply device SOURCE1, or at a voltage of 15 Veither by the second power supply device SOURCE2 or by the seconddual-role device DRP2.

Similarly, the second dual-role device DRP2 can supply power at avoltage of 9 V, 12 V or 15 V respectively to the first device to besupplied with power SINK1, to the second device to be supplied withpower SINK2 or to the first dual-role device DRP1.

The second dual-role device DRP2 can be supplied with power at a voltageof 5 V, 15 V or 20 V respectively by the first power supply deviceSOURCE1, the first dual-role device DRP1 or the second power supplydevice SOURCE2.

FIG. 2 depicts, via a diagram, couplings subject to possible overvoltageduring the connection between power supply devices and devices to besupplied with power.

The devices 10 illustrated here are identical to those shown in FIG. 1 .The voltages depicted by arrows are the potential cases of overvoltagewhen each device capable of providing a power supply voltage (SOURCE1,SOURCE2, DRP1 or DRP2) provides the maximum voltage that it can provideto the device capable of receiving a power supply voltage (SINK1, SINK2,DRP1 or DRP2) to which it is connected.

Although it is possible with the USB-PD standard for each device tocheck the role of the device to which it is connected, it is notpossible to verify the proper operation of the latter. For example, inthe event of a bad connection of the USB Type-C connector, or in theevent of defects in the power supply terminal, the voltage provided by apower supply device can exceed the maximum value supported by the deviceto be supplied with power to which it is connected, or even exceed 20 Vin extreme cases.

Taking the example shown in FIG. 2 :

-   the second power supply device SOURCE2 risks supplying power at a    voltage of 20 V to the first device to be supplied with power SINK1,    to the second device to be supplied with power SINK2, or to the    first dual-role device DRP1;-   the first dual-role device DRP1 risks supplying power at a voltage    of 15 V to the first device to be supplied with power SINK1, or to    the second device to be supplied with power SINK2; and-   the second dual-role device DRP2 risks supplying power at a voltage    of 20 V to the first device to be supplied with power SINK1, to the    second device to be supplied with power SINK2, or to the first    dual-role device DRP1.

FIG. 3 illustrates, very schematically, a USB-PD connector.

A USB-PD connector 3 comprises, in a standardized manner, four terminalsincluding two terminals 31 and 37 configured to convey a power supplysignal (potentials VBUS and GND) and two terminals 33 and 35 configuredto convey data signals CC1 and CC2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB-PD compatible power supply device.

This test procedure is implemented by an apparatus, for example anelement known by the term “dongle”, which is adapted to test a powersupply device of the USB-PD type. The apparatus includes processingcircuitry 6 and comprises at least one USB Type-C connector, configuredto be connected to the power supply device to be tested. The device isseparate from the apparatus.

In a first step (block 41, CHECK VBUS<VSAFE), once a device isconnected, the apparatus verifies that the voltage VBUS of a powersupply terminal (31, FIG. 3 ) of the connector is lower than a firstthreshold (VSAFE), also known as a safety value (Vsafe0V), for exampleof 0.9 volt. If the voltage VBUS is higher than the safety valueVsafe0V, the apparatus stops the test procedure and outputs an error.

In a second step (block 42, CAN DEVICE ACT AS SOURCE), the apparatusverifies that the role or function of the device to which it isconnected is to supply power.

In order to verify that the function of the tested device is to supplypower, the apparatus determines the role of the device. The role of theconnected device, if applicable via a USB Type-C cable, can be: a powersupply device; a device to be supplied with power; a dual-role device;or a sole USB Type-C cable (not connected to other devices), in otherwords an energy or data transmission device.

If the function of the connected device is not to supply power (output Nof block 42), i.e., if the apparatus is connected to a sole USB cable orto a device to be supplied with power, the test procedure moves directlyto a sixth step (block 46, SEND TEST RESULTS), which will be describedherein.

If the function of the connected device is to supply power (output Y ofblock 42), i.e., if the apparatus is connected to a power supply deviceor to a dual-role device, the test procedure moves to a third step(block 43, SIMULATE SINK).

In this third step 43, the apparatus simulates a device having theopposite function of that of the tested device. In other words, theapparatus poses as a device to be supplied with power vis-à-vis thepower supply device.

In a fourth step (block 44, EMULATE PROPOSED PDOS), the apparatusgenerates a request representative of power supply configurations (PowerData Object, PDO). By this, it is possible for it to determine the powersupply configurations, voltage and current pairs, proposed by the powersupply device.

For example, for a 27-Watt power supply device, the proposed powersupply configurations are: 5 volts / 3 amperes; 9 volts / 3 amperes; and15 volts / 1.8 amperes.

For a same example 27-Watt power supply device 27, two additional powersupply configurations are proposed: 12 volts / 2.25 amperes; and 20volts / 1.35 amperes.

In a fifth step (block 45, CONTROL PDOS), the apparatus checks that theproposed power supply configurations are compatible with standardizedpower supply configurations. If compatibility exists, the apparatus isthen supplied with power by the power supply device. The proposed powersupply configurations are tested in turn.

During these tests, an undervoltage value (Under voltage, UVLO) and anovervoltage value (Over Voltage, OVLO) are associated with the testedpower supply configuration PDO. In the case of a power supplyconfiguration PDO comprising a voltage of 5 volts, the undervoltagevalue UVLO is equal to 4.25 volts and the overvoltage value OVLO isequal to 5.75 volts. For each further power supply configuration PDO,the undervoltage value UVLO is equal to the value of the voltage of thetested power supply configuration PDO minus ten percent. Similarly, theovervoltage value OVLO is equal to the value of the voltage of thetested power supply configuration PDO minus ten percent.

The apparatus verifies if the power supply provided by the power supplydevice is comprised between the undervoltage value UVLO and theovervoltage value OVLO of the tested power supply configuration.

In the sixth step (block 46, SEND TEST RESULTS), the apparatus providesthe results of the test procedure. The method of outputting the resultsof the test procedure can take different forms, examples of which willbe described in relation to FIG. 8 . The results comprise: the role ofthe tested device; the power supply configurations proposed by thetested device; the compatibility of the device with the standardizedpower supply configurations; and the compatibility of the device withthe proposed power supply configurations.

If the function of the connected device is not to supply power (output Nof block 42), i.e., if the apparatus is connected to a sole USB cable orto a device to be supplied with power, the apparatus proceeds directlyto the issue of the results of the test which comprise the role (to besupplied with power or cable) of the tested device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB-PD compatible device to be supplied with power.

This test procedure is implemented by an apparatus, for example anelement known by the term “dongle”, which is adapted to test a device tobe supplied with power of the USB-PD type. The apparatus comprises atleast one USB Type-C connector, configured to be connected to the deviceto be supplied with power to be tested. The device is separate from theapparatus.

In a first step (block 51, CHECK VBUS<VSAFE), once a device isconnected, the apparatus verifies that the voltage VBUS of a powersupply terminal (31, FIG. 3 ) of the connector is lower than a firstthreshold (VSAFE), also known as a safety value (Vsafe0V), for exampleof 0.9 volt. If the voltage VBUS is higher than the safety valueVsafe0V, the apparatus stops the test procedure and outputs an error.

In a second step (block 52, CAN DEVICE ACT AS SINK), the apparatusverifies that the role or function of the device to which it isconnected is to be supplied with power.

In order to verify that the function of the device is to be suppliedwith power, the apparatus determines the role of the device. The role ofthe connected device, if applicable via a USB Type-C cable, can be: apower supply device; a device to be supplied with power; a dual-roledevice; or a sole USB Type-C cable, in other words an energy or datatransmission device.

If the function of the connected device is not to be supplied with power(output N of block 52), i.e., if the apparatus is connected to a soleUSB cable or to a power supply device, the test procedure moves directlyto a fifth step (block 55, SEND TEST RESULTS), which will be describedherein.

If the function of the connected device is to be supplied with power(output Y of block 52), i.e., if the apparatus is connected to a deviceto be supplied with power or to a dual-role device, the test proceduremoves to a third step (block 53, DETERMINE PDOS).

In this third step 53, the apparatus generates a request for powersupply configurations PDO addressed to the device. A device adapted tothe USB-PD standard that receives such a request responds by indicatingthe configurations, voltage and current pairs, that it supports.

In a fourth step (block 54, CONTROL PDOS), the apparatus checks that thereceived power supply configurations are compatible with standardizedpower supply configurations.

According to an embodiment variant, the apparatus supplies the devicewith power and tests the power supply configurations in turn.

During these tests, an undervoltage value (Under voltage, UVLO) and anovervoltage value (Over Voltage, OVLO) are associated with the testedpower supply configuration PDO. In the case of a power supplyconfiguration PDO comprising a voltage of 5 volts, the undervoltagevalue UVLO is equal to 4.25 volts and the overvoltage value OVLO isequal to 5.75 volts. For each further power supply configuration PDO,the undervoltage value UVLO is equal to the value of the voltage of thetested power supply configuration PDO minus ten percent. Similarly, theovervoltage value OVLO is equal to the value of the voltage of thetested power supply configuration PDO minus ten percent.

The apparatus verifies if the power supply received by the device to besupplied with power is comprised between the undervoltage value UVLO andthe overvoltage value OVLO of the tested power supply configuration.

In the fifth step (block 55, SEND TEST RESULTS), the apparatus providesthe results of the test procedure. The method of outputting the resultsof the test procedure can take different forms, examples of which willbe described in relation to FIG. 8 .

The results comprise: the role of the tested device; the power supplyconfigurations supported by the tested device; and the compatibility ofthe device with standardized power supply configurations.

In cases (output N of block 52) where the apparatus determines that itis in the presence of a power supply device or a cable, the apparatusproceeds directly to the issue of the results of the test which comprisethe role (power supply or cable) of the tested device.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB Type-C cable.

This test procedure is implemented by an apparatus, for example adongle, adapted to test a USB Type-C cable. The apparatus comprises anemitter circuit for communicating with the cable. The apparatuscomprises at least one USB Type-C connector, configured to be connectedto the USB Type-C cable. The cable is separate from the apparatus.

In a first step (block 61, CHECK VBUS<VSAFE), once a device isconnected, the apparatus verifies that the voltage VBUS of a powersupply terminal (31, FIG. 3 ) of the connector is lower than a firstthreshold (VSAFE), also known as a safety value (Vsafe0V), for exampleof 0.9 volt. If the voltage VBUS is higher than the safety valueVsafe0V, the apparatus stops the test procedure and outputs an error.

In a second step (block 62, SOLE CABLE CONNECTED), the apparatusverifies that the device to which it is connected is a sole USB Type-Ccable, in other words a USB Type-C cable that is connected to theapparatus and to no other device.

In order to verify that the device is a sole USB Type-C cable, theapparatus determines the role of the device. The role of the connecteddevice, if applicable via a USB Type-C cable, can be: power supplydevice; device to be supplied with power; dual-role device; or sole USBType-C cable, in other words an energy or data transmission device.

If the connected device is not a sole cable (output N of block 62), thetest procedure moves directly to a fourth step (block 64, SEND TESTRESULTS), which will be described further below.

If the connected device is a sole cable (output Y of block 62), the testprocedure moves to a third step (block 63, CONTROL CABLE).

In this third step 63 the apparatus determines if the connected cable isa cable configured to convey a current that can reach 3 amperes (3 Acable) or a cable configured to convey a current that can reach 5amperes (5 A cable). A difference in the USB-PD standard concerning the3 A and 5 A cables is that the 5 A cables include electronic circuitscapable of communicating with a device to which they are connected, evenwhen their other end is in the air. The emitter circuit of the apparatussends a signal destined for the cable. If the apparatus does not receivea response, this generally indicates that either there is no deviceconnected to the apparatus or that the apparatus is connected to a sole3 A cable. In the described embodiment, when a cable is hooked up, thecable is thus considered a 3 A cable. If the apparatus receives aresponse, the cable is considered a 5 A cable.

In the fourth step (block 64, SEND TEST RESULTS), the apparatus providesthe results of the test procedure. The method of outputting the resultsof the test procedure can take different forms, examples of which willbe described in relation to FIG. 8 .

The results comprise the role of the connected device. In the event thata sole cable has been detected, the results also comprise the type ofcable (3 A or 5 A).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a testprocedure for a USB-PD device.

This test procedure combines the three test procedures described inrelation to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 : test of power supply device; test ofdevice to be supplied with power; and test of sole cable.

It is implemented by an apparatus, for example a dongle, adapted to testa USB-PD device. The device is separate from the apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least oneconnector configured to be connected to a power supply device or to asole cable and a further connector configured to be connected to adevice to be supplied with power or to a sole cable, if applicablesimultaneously.

According to a variant, the apparatus comprises at least one dual-roleport configured to be connected to a power supply device or to a deviceto be supplied with power or to a sole cable.

In a first step (block 71, CHECK VBUS<VSAFE), once a device isconnected, the apparatus verifies that the voltage VBUS of a powersupply terminal (31, FIG. 3 ) of the connector is lower than a firstthreshold (VSAFE), also known as a safety value (Vsafe0V), for exampleof 0.9 volt. If the voltage VBUS is higher than the safety valueVsafe0V, the apparatus stops the test procedure and outputs an error.

In a second step (block 72, SOLE CABLE CONNECTED), the apparatusverifies that the device to which it is connected is a sole USB Type-Ccable, in other words a USB Type-C cable that is connected to theapparatus and to no other device. This step is identical to the secondstep 62 of the test procedure for sole cables described in relation toFIG. 6 .

If the connected device is a sole cable (output Y of block 72), the testprocedure moves to a third step (block 73, CONTROL CABLE).

In this third step 73, the apparatus determines if the connected cableis a 3A cable or a 5A cable. This occurs as described in the third step63 of the test procedure for cables described in relation to FIG. 6 .The procedure then moves directly to an eighth step (block 78, SEND TESTRESULTS), which will be described herein.

If the connected device is not a sole cable (output N of block 72), theprocedure moves to a fourth step (block 74, CAN DEVICE ACT AS SOURCE).

In this fourth step, the apparatus verifies that the function or role ofthe device to which it is connected is to supply power. This step isidentical to the second step 42 of the test procedure for power supplydevices described in relation to FIG. 4 .

If the function of the connected device is to supply power (output Y ofblock 74), the test procedure moves to a fifth step (block 75, CONTROLSOURCE).

In this fifth step 75, the apparatus performs a power supply devicecheck. This fifth step includes successively performing the third step43, the fourth step 44 and the fifth step 45 of the test procedure forpower supply devices described in relation to FIG. 4 . Once the powersupply device check has ended, the procedure moves to a sixth step 76.

In this sixth step (block 76, CAN DEVICE ACT AS SINK), the apparatusverifies that the role or function of the device to which it isconnected is to be supplied with power. This step is identical to thesecond step 52 of the test procedure for devices to be supplied withpower described in relation to FIG. 5 . By this sixth step, it ispossible in this case to process a dual-role device.

If the function of the connected device is not to supply power (output Nof block 74), the test procedure moves directly to the sixth step (block76, CAN DEVICE ACT AS SINK).

If the function of the connected device is to be supplied with power(output Y of block 76), the test procedure moves to a seventh step(block 77, CONTROL SINK).

In the seventh step 77, the apparatus performs a check of the device tobe supplied with power. This seventh step includes successivelyperforming the third step 53 and the fourth step 54 of the testprocedure for devices to be supplied with power described in relation toFIG. 5 . Once the device check for devices to be supplied with power hasended, the procedure moves to the eighth step (block 78, SEND TESTRESULTS).

In the eighth step 78, the apparatus supplies the results of the testprocedure. The method of outputting the results of the test procedurecan take different forms, examples of which will be described inrelation to FIG. 8 .

If the function of the connected device is not to be supplied with power(output N of block 76), the test procedure moves to the eighth step.

In the event that the tested device is a power supply device, theresults comprise: the role of the tested device; the power supplyconfigurations proposed by the tested device; the compatibility of thedevice with standardized power supply configurations; and thecompatibility of the device with the proposed power supplyconfigurations.

In the event that the tested device is a device to be supplied withpower, the results comprise: the role of the tested device; the powersupply configurations supported by the tested device; and thecompatibility of the device with standardized power supplyconfigurations.

In the event that the tested device is a dual-role device, the resultscomprise: the role of the tested device; the power supply configurationsproposed by the tested device; the compatibility of the device withstandardized power supply configurations; the compatibility of thedevice with the proposed power supply configurations; and the powersupply configurations supported by the tested device.

In the event that the tested device is a sole cable, the resultscomprise: the role of the tested device; and the type of cable (3A or5A).

The test procedure for USB-PD devices as described in relation to FIG. 7is an example procedure combining procedures described in relation toFIGS. 4, 5 and 6 . Other variants will occur to those skilled in theart. The different test steps can, for example, be performed in adifferent order. The apparatus can, for example, be equipped with amemory with which it is possible to store the role of the tested devicein order to determine its role once.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a few embodiments of anapparatus for implementing test procedures.

In the example shown in FIG. 8 , five embodiments (A) to (E) of anapparatus 8 for implementing test procedures described in the foregoingare assumed. According to these embodiments, the apparatus takes theform of a dongle.

The first embodiment (A) is a dongle 8 comprising: a male USB Type-Cconnector 81; a display screen 83 (Display); and two buttons and/or LEDs85.

The second embodiment (B) is a dongle 8 comprising: a female USB Type-Cconnector 87; a display screen 83 (Display); and two buttons and/or LEDs85.

The third embodiment (C) is a dongle 8 comprising: a male USB Type-Cconnector 81; a female USB Type-C connector 87; a display screen 83(Display); and two buttons and/or LEDs 85.

The fourth embodiment (D) is a dongle 8 comprising: a male USB Type-Cconnector 81; a female USB Type-C connector 87; a Bluetooth module 89;and two buttons and/or LEDs 85.

The fifth embodiment (E) is a dongle 8 comprising: two female connectorsUSB Type-C 87; a Bluetooth module 89; and two buttons and/or LEDs 85.

In embodiments (B) to (E), cables 86 are depicted that form either thedevice to be tested directly or a coupling to the device to be tested.

The five example embodiments (A) to (E) of the apparatus comprise atleast one male or female, USB Type-C connector configured to beconnected to a device to be tested. These embodiments comprise twobuttons by which it is possible to monitor the apparatus and/or twoLEDs, for example for indicating the state of an automatic check.

The five example embodiments (A) to (E) also comprise at least onemethod of outputting the test procedure results. This method ofoutputting takes, in these examples, at least a form from among: adisplay screen; a Bluetooth module; and an LED assembly.

With the display screen, it is possible to render and display resultsdirectly on the apparatus. The display system can, for example, be anLCD screen.

With the Bluetooth module, it is possible to transmit the result data inorder to display them on a device external to the apparatus such as aportable computer, a smart phone, a tablet, etc.

With the assembly of LEDs, it is possible to display different colors asa function of the test results.

It will be noted that the apparatus can comprise a combination of morethan one method of outputting.

According to further embodiments, the apparatus 8 can comprise at leastone of the following components: a battery (88, views (D) and (E)); acircuit capable of emulating a device to be supplied with power; acircuit capable of emulating a power supply device; a dual-role USBType-C connector; and an emitter circuit.

FIG. 9 illustrates, very schematically, an embodiment of an apparatus 91including an interface between a power supply device and a device to besupplied with power.

The apparatus 91 (EQUIPMENT) comprises at least one first USB Type-Cconnector configured to be connected to a power supply device 92(SOURCE). The apparatus comprises at least one second USB Type-Cconnector configured to be connected to a device to be supplied withpower 93 (SINK).

The apparatus 91 is capable of implementing the procedures described inrelation to FIGS. 4 to 7 . The devices to be supplied with power andpower supply devices to which it is connected are tested by theapparatus after being connected. Once the two devices have been testedand their power supply configurations determined compatible, theapparatus can: save the negotiated power supply configurations, in otherwords the power supply configurations proposed by the power supplydevice and the power supply configurations supported by the device to besupplied with power; continuously monitor the power supply terminalvoltage (VBUS) of the power supply device and of the device to besupplied with power; monitor the current flowing from the power supplydevice toward the device to be supplied with power; and interrupt theconnection between the two devices in the event of an overvoltage.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate, via perspective views, further apparatusembodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are apparatus embodiments in which the apparatus isintegrated in a device different from the device to be tested.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a multimeter 101 in which theapparatus 8 is integrated. The apparatus 8 uses, for example, the screen103 of the multimeter 101 for outputting the results.

FIG. 10B illustrates perspective views respectively from the front andfrom behind, of a flashlight 105 in which the apparatus 8 has beenintegrated. The illustrated embodiment uses an assembly of LEDs 106,107, 108 as a method of outputting the results, as described in theforegoing in relation to FIG. 8 .

This assembly of LEDs is capable of: displaying a light of a firstcolor, for example orange 107, when the test is in progress; displayinga light of a second color, for example green 106, if the proposed, orsupported, power supply configurations of the tested device arecompatible; and displaying a light of a third color, for example red108, if the proposed, or supported, power supply configurations of thetested device are not compatible.

As a variant, the apparatus can be integrated in any electronic objectsuch as a smart phone, an electronic cigarette, an external hard drive,an external battery (Power Bank), etc.

Various embodiments and variants have been described. Those skilled inthe art will understand that certain features of these embodiments canbe combined, and other variants will readily occur to those skilled inthe art.

Finally, the practical implementation of the embodiments and variantsdescribed herein is within the capabilities of those skilled in the artbased on the functional description provided hereinabove. In particular,the choice of the electric components used depends on the testprocedures implemented.

1. A method for testing USB devices, comprising: connecting a device toa connector of an apparatus; verifying whether a voltage at a powersupply terminal of the connector is lower than a safety thresholdvoltage, and ceasing the testing if the voltage is higher than thesafety threshold voltage; verifying whether the device is a USB cablesolely connected to the connector; and if the device is a USB cablesolely connected to the connector, determining whether the USB cable isconfigured to convey a first current or a second current greater thanthe first current, and generating an output indicating that the deviceis a USB cable and whether the USB cable is configured to convey thefirst current or the second current.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining whether the USB cable is configured to convey the firstcurrent or the second current is performed by sending a signal from anemitter circuit of the apparatus through the connector to the USB cableand determining that the USB cable is configured to convey the secondcurrent if a response to the signal is received from the USB cable. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the USB cable isconfigured to convey the first current or the second current isperformed by sending a signal from an emitter circuit of the apparatusthrough the connector to the USB cable and determining that the USBcable is configured to convey the first current if a response to thesignal is not received from the USB cable.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein determining whether the device is a USB cable comprisesdetermining whether the device is a USB type-C cable.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: if the device is a USB cable not solelyconnected to the connector, generating an output indicating that thedevice is a USB cable not solely connected to the connector.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: determining if the device is aUSB cable not solely connected to the connector and, if the device is aUSB cable not solely connected to the connector, verifying that thefunction of the device is to be a power supply device, and if thefunction of the device is to be a power supply device, performing apower check.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein performing the powercheck comprises: at the apparatus, simulating a device to be suppliedwith power by the power supply device; generating a request for powersupply configurations proposed by the power supply device; and checkingthat the power supply configurations are compatible with standardizedpower supply configurations and, if so, receiving power by the apparatusfrom the power supply device to thereby test each of the power supplyconfigurations.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: generatingan output indicating that the function of the device is to be a powersupply device, indicating the power supply configurations proposed bythe power supply device, and indicating if the power supplyconfigurations are compatible with standardized power supplyconfigurations.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: verifyingthat the function of the device is also to be supplied with power; atthe apparatus, generating a request for power supply configurations andaddressing the request to the device; at the apparatus, receivingindicated power supply configurations; and checking that the indicatedpower supply configurations are compatible with standardized powersupply configurations and, if so, sending power from the apparatus tothe device to thereby test each of the indicated power supplyconfigurations.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:generating an output indicating that the function of the device is toalso be supplied with power, indicating the received indicated powersupply configurations, and indicating if the power supply configurationsare compatible with standardized power supply configurations.
 11. Themethod of claim 9, further comprising verifying that the power receivedat the device is between an undervoltage value and an overvoltage value.12. An apparatus for testing USB devices, comprising: a connectorconfigured to be connected to a device, the connector having a powersupply terminal; processing circuitry configured to perform testing by:upon connection of a device to the connector, verifying whether avoltage at the power supply terminal of the connector is lower than asafety threshold voltage, and ceasing the testing if the voltage ishigher than the safety threshold voltage; verifying whether the deviceis a USB cable solely connected to the connector; and if the device is aUSB cable solely connected to the connector, determining whether the USBcable is configured to convey a first current or a second currentgreater than the first current, and generating an output indicating thatthe device is a USB cable and whether the USB cable is configured toconvey the first current or the second current.
 13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the apparatus includes an emitter circuit; and whereinthe processor determines whether the USB cable is configured to conveythe first current or the second current by causing sending of a signalfrom the emitter circuit through the connector to the USB cable anddetermining that the USB cable is configured to convey the secondcurrent if a response to the signal is received from the USB cable. 14.The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus includes an emittercircuit; and wherein the processor determines whether the USB cable isconfigured to convey the first current or the second current by causingsending a signal from the emitter circuit through the connector to theUSB cable and determining that the USB cable is configured to convey thefirst current if a response to the signal is not received from the USBcable.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor determiningwhether the device is a USB cable comprises the processor determiningwhether the device is a USB type-C cable.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the processor is further configured to: generate an outputindicating that the device is a USB cable not solely connected to theconnector if the device is a USB cable not solely connected to theconnector.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: determine if the device is a USB cable not solelyconnected to the connector and, if the device is a USB cable not solelyconnected to the connector, verify that the function of the device is tobe a power supply device, and if the function of the device is to be apower supply device, perform a power check.
 18. The apparatus of claim17, wherein the processor is configured to: cause the apparatus tosimulate a device to be supplied with power by the power supply device;generate a request for power supply configurations proposed by the powersupply device; and check that the power supply configurations arecompatible with standardized power supply configurations and, if so,receive power by the apparatus from the power supply device to therebytest each of the power supply configurations.
 19. The apparatus of claim18, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate an outputindicating that the function of the device is to be a power supplydevice, indicating the power supply configurations proposed by the powersupply device, and indicating if the power supply configurations arecompatible with standardized power supply configurations.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured to:verify that the function of the device is also to be supplied withpower; generate a request for power supply configurations and addressthe request to the device; receive indicated power supplyconfigurations; and check that the indicated power supply configurationsare compatible with standardized power supply configurations and, if so,sending power to the device to thereby test each of the indicated powersupply configurations.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein theprocessor is further configured to: generate an output indicating thatthe function of the device is to also be supplied with power, indicatingthe received indicated power supply configurations, and indicating ifthe power supply configurations are compatible with standardized powersupply configurations.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein theprocessor is further configured to verify that the power received at thedevice is between an undervoltage value and an overvoltage value.